Tehama County, CA Water Use Rules: Recycled Water Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- Unincorporated Tehama County only
- Requirement
- Dual-distribution recycled water system
- Exemption
- Written exemption from water agency
- Reviewed at
- Building permit / plan check
Summary
New and rehabilitated landscape projects in unincorporated Tehama County must install dual-distribution recycled-water irrigation systems and actually use recycled water unless the local water agency grants a written exemption.
When required the installation of recycled water irrigation systems (dual distribution systems) shall be installed to allow for the current and future use of recycled water, unless a written exemption has been granted... Irrigation systems shall make use of recycled water unless a written exemption has been granted by the local water agency, stating that recycled water meeting all health standards is not available and will not be available in the foreseeable future.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 23).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 17.85's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires qualifying new-construction and rehabilitated-landscape projects in the unincorporated area of Tehama County, not Red Bluff, Corning or the City of Tehama, to install recycled-water irrigation systems (dual distribution systems) so the site can use recycled water now or in the future. Irrigation systems must actually use recycled water unless the local water agency issues a written exemption stating recycled water meeting health standards is not available and will not become available in the foreseeable future. Recycled systems must also meet state design and operating codes.
Violations & Fines
Recycled-water compliance is checked through the landscape documentation package filed with the building permit, plan check or design review; a qualifying project that omits the dual-distribution system or the required exemption is not approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every new landscape in Tehama County need recycled-water plumbing?
What if recycled water isn't available at my site?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tehama County
California rules heatmap·Compare Tehama County to another location·View the California water use rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.